Free Molecules Simulation

Explore the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds

Change electronegativity difference and watch bonds go from covalent to polar to ionic. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.

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Free to use
No signup
Nothing to install
Runs in your browser

Free to use

No signup

Ionic vs Covalent Bonds

Setting

Open the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds

Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.

See it in action

The Ionic vs Covalent Bonds with sample data entered and the result showing.

Explained

What is the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds?

Change electronegativity difference and watch bonds go from covalent to polar to ionic. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.

Bond type decides whether a material is a salt, a metal-like conductor, a gas or a solid, so it affects melting points, solubility and conductivity.

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Key idea 1Key idea 2Key idea 3

3 steps to your result

Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.

In the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds, use the controls to change Atom 1, Atom 2, Your atom X: electronegativity, Your atom Y: electronegativity. The simulation reacts instantly.

Start with this experiment: Compare NaCl and H₂. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds responds in real time.

Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Covalent bonds share electrons; ionic bonds transfer them.

What you get

Key idea 1

Covalent bonds share electrons; ionic bonds transfer them.

Key idea 2

A small electronegativity difference gives nonpolar covalent, a medium one gives polar covalent, and a large one gives ionic.

Key idea 3

Ionic compounds form crystal lattices, not separate molecules.

Experiment 1

Compare NaCl and H₂.

Experiment 2

Try C–H and O–H.

Experiment 3

Find the transition to ionic.

Used for

Pick one to see how it fits.

Use case

Molecules learners

Chemistry and biology students learning bonding and molecular shape, and teachers who need an interactive 3D model instead of a textbook drawing.

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How it compares

A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.

	This simulation	Textbook diagram
Interactive	Drag, tap and change settings	Fixed picture
Install	Nothing to install	Not needed
Cost	Free to use	Depends on the book

Questions people ask

How do I tell if a bond is ionic or covalent?

Look at the electronegativity difference: below about 0.4 is nonpolar covalent, 0.4 to 1.7 is polar covalent, and above about 1.7 is ionic.

Why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when dissolved?

Their ions are free to move in solution and carry charge.

Is the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds free to use?

Yes. The Ionic vs Covalent Bonds is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Molecules group of AZRS simulations.

Does the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds work on a phone or tablet?

Yes. The Ionic vs Covalent Bonds takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.

How do I use the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds?

1. In the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds, use the controls to change Atom 1, Atom 2, Your atom X: electronegativity, Your atom Y: electronegativity. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds, pick an option such as NaCl, MgO, CaF₂, KBr to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Compare NaCl and H₂. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Ionic vs Covalent Bonds responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Covalent bonds share electrons; ionic bonds transfer them.